Just a few years ago, Andrew Gallaher was unsure whether he could pursue a degree in physics. Today, the University of Houston-Clear Lake graduate is helping support one of NASA's most iconic scientific missions.

Weeks after earning his Bachelor of Science in Physics from UHCL, Gallaher accepted a position at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, located in Maryland just outside of Washington, D.C. At Goddard, he serves as an engineer on the Hubble Space Telescope operations team supporting the Optical Telescope Assembly group.

His journey from a student who questioned his own abilities to an engineer contributing to humanity's exploration of space was shaped by perseverance, mentorship, and a willingness to embrace opportunities as they appeared.

Finding the right launchpad

Originally from Detroit, Michigan, Gallaher knew he wanted to build a future in aerospace. Houston's reputation as the center of American human spaceflight made attending UHCL an easy decision.

"Coming from Detroit, I wanted to make the move somewhere that had more aerospace opportunities, as Michigan is 95% automotive," he said. "Everyone knows Houston is the hub of spaceflight, so seeing UHCL next door to the Johnson Space Center (JSC) made it a no-brainer."

Although he began college as a computer science major, his academic direction changed after enrolling in physics courses taught by UHCL faculty who helped him see a future he had not previously considered.

"I always knew I had a passion for physics, though I never felt like I was smart enough to pursue it," Gallaher said. "When taking University Physics I and II with Dr. Evan Richards, he was so passionate about every detail, and he really made me feel like physics was an achievable academic path."

That encouragement became a turning point, setting Gallaher on a path that would eventually lead to NASA.

The people who opened doors

When Gallaher reflects on the people who helped shape his career, one person stands out.

"Bernadina (Bernie) Streeter, program manager from UHCL's Office of Strategic Partnerships, is easily the biggest influence on where I am today," he said. "Starting from the moment I met her, she made it her goal to help me achieve my dream of working at NASA."

Through the Strategic Partnerships office, Gallaher secured an internship with KBR supporting NASA's JSC. What began as a student opportunity evolved into more than two years of hands-on experience supporting mission operations and flight control teams.

"When an opportunity opened up at KBR, contracting to JSC, Bernie Streeter was a key player in getting me that position," Gallaher said. "I owe the opportunities I have today to Bernie and her team at UHCL."

He also credits the university's physics faculty for helping him balance the demands of a rigorous academic program with the responsibilities of supporting active NASA projects.

"The entire physics faculty was supportive of me throughout my time in the program," Gallaher said. "Whenever I had scheduling conflicts, such as working on Artemis II, they were beyond flexible and worked with me on any missed classes or other conflicts."

Their support allowed him to gain valuable professional experience without losing momentum in the classroom.

Turning classroom lessons into real-world impact

Gallaher's education at UHCL provided both technical expertise and the problem-solving mindset required for complex aerospace work. His computer science coursework introduced him to programming languages such as Python, skills he later applied at JSC to develop computational tools for orbital navigation calculations. Those tools continue to support Boeing CST-100 Starliner rendezvous-and-docking missions and simulations involving the International Space Station (ISS).

At the same time, his physics education strengthened his ability to analyze and solve difficult problems.

"Physics gave me irreplaceable skills in problem-solving," Gallaher said. "Every day at NASA, I encounter a new problem, whether mathematically or another complex issue. UHCL taught me how to approach solving those problems from start to finish."

During his internship, Gallaher contributed to several high-profile projects, including an orbital trajectory display for Boeing's CST-100 Starliner, a docking camera display supporting Artemis II operations, and virtual reality training environments that recreated ISS emergency scenarios for astronauts.

Among those experiences, one opportunity stands above the rest.

"Creating the docking camera display presented me the opportunity to support the real Artemis II mission on console in the Mission Control Center, an experience I will never forget," Gallaher said.

Persevering through self-doubt

Despite his accomplishments, Gallaher said his path through college was far from easy.

"Every day," he said when asked whether he faced challenges during his academic journey. "In almost every physics class, I never felt like I was as knowledgeable as I was supposed to be."

Rather than allowing those doubts to stop him, he embraced the reality that growth often comes through struggle.

"I would tell myself that physics is supposed to be hard," he said. "This meant lots of late nights doing homework, studying for exams, and learning more about each topic. It was years of doubt and struggle, but I did it."

Balancing coursework with professional responsibilities required discipline and resilience. Some days began with work at JSC, continued with evening classes at UHCL, and ended with overnight Artemis II mission simulations.

"There were days I would go on-site at JSC, work from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., go to class at UHCL from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., then back to JSC for a second-shift Artemis simulation," he said.

The demanding schedule taught him lessons in time management and perseverance that continue to serve him in his professional career.

Reaching for new frontiers

Today, Gallaher has begun a new chapter at Goddard Space Flight Center, where he works on operations supporting the Hubble Space Telescope.

For someone who has long been fascinated by space exploration, the opportunity is professionally rewarding and personally meaningful.

"Space telescopes have always been interesting to me — the forefront of answering the universe's unanswered questions," he said. "Getting the opportunity to try out a different side of spaceflight has been really interesting so far."

The move also brings him closer to family in Detroit. Yet beyond any individual mission or position, Gallaher's motivation remains rooted in a lifelong passion for exploration.

"I have always been passionate about spaceflight," he said. "The idea of humanity leaving this planet and crossing new frontiers, with the goal of making life interplanetary."

A message for Hawks

Gallaher hopes current and future students recognize that ambitious goals often seem impossible until someone commits to pursuing them.

"Don't tell yourself it's impossible. Nothing is truly impossible," he said. "I went from almost not graduating high school to working at NASA."

His advice is simple: find something exciting and stay committed to it, even when the path becomes difficult.

"Find something you are passionate about, academically or professionally, and tell yourself that you will get there, no matter what," Gallaher said.

When asked what role UHCL played in helping him reach his goals, he answered without hesitation.

"UHCL is the sole reason I am the person I am today," Gallaher said. "From the team in the Strategic Partnerships office believing in me and supporting me the past two-plus years, to the professors who pushed me to do my best. I genuinely owe it all to UHCL."

Andrew Gallaher’s story serves as a reminder that remarkable careers are rarely built in a single moment. They are built through persistence, mentorship, hard work, and a willingness to seize opportunities as they arise. For Gallaher, those qualities helped transform a dream of working in spaceflight into a career supporting some of NASA's most critical missions.

Ready to turn your passion into a career? Discover how UHCL's Physics Program and Office of Strategic Partnerships connect students with hands-on experience, industry mentors, and opportunities that can launch extraordinary futures at www.uhcl.edu/science-engineering/departments/mathematical-applied-and-physical-sciences/physics/ and www.uhcl.edu/strategic-partnerships/.

For 10 University of Houston-Clear Lake students, saying “yes” to an unpaid internship this spring came with a cost: fewer work hours, tighter budgets, and added financial pressure.

The UHCL Bright Futures Intern Scholarship helped ease that burden, providing up to $1,300 to students completing unpaid, credit-based internships in their fields of study. Created to reduce financial barriers and expand access to hands-on learning, the scholarship supports students who demonstrate financial need and are enrolled in qualifying internship courses.

This semester’s recipients are Xiomarica Crawley, Areli Gorrostieta, Alexandra Benitez Briseno, Esmeralda Bustos, Evelyn Castillo, Andrea Gutierrez, Carmen Gutierrez Hernandez, Katherine Mai, Akpene Yaa Dawa Sekyi, and Carylon Wyant.

For many of them, the award was more than financial assistance; it was reassurance that their decision to pursue hands-on experience was possible.

Choosing growth over a paycheck

Esmeralda Bustos, a communication major completing her final semester, said accepting an unpaid internship carried significant risk.

“Receiving this scholarship honestly took a huge weight off my shoulders,” she said. “I chose to accept an unpaid internship at Texas Weddings Magazine during my final semester because I knew it would give me the real-world experience I needed for my career. But that decision also meant losing two to three days of income each week.”

With rent, car payments, utilities, groceries, gas, and medical expenses to cover, Bustos said the financial gap felt overwhelming. The Bright Futures Intern Scholarship helped close that gap.

“After receiving the scholarship, I was able to shift my focus,” she said. “I could walk into my internship thinking about how to grow, contribute, and learn, not how I was going to pay for my next specialist appointment or make up missed work hours.”

Bustos has balanced school, two jobs, an unpaid internship, and ongoing health appointments. She said the scholarship did not erase every challenge, but it gave her “breathing room,” space to prioritize her health while staying committed to graduating strong.

“There have been afternoons when I would normally be clocking in at one of my jobs, and instead I was fully present at my internship,” she said. “Instead of rushing out or worrying about lost wages, I could stay engaged in conversations, ask questions, and really absorb what I was learning.”

Her internship has also marked a shift in how she sees herself professionally. While previous roles at Burlington, Kroger, and 7Brew strengthened her adaptability and communication skills, she said the internship has helped her think more critically and communicate in a manner aligned with her degree.

“It’s helped me start seeing myself not just as a student or employee, but as a future professional,” Bustos said.

A renewed sense of purpose

For Katherine Mai, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Education, the scholarship motivated her at a pivotal moment in her academic journey.

“When receiving the scholarship, I was overjoyed, and it did boost my motivation to continue my schooling,” she said. After taking a long break from school, she admitted she was “a bit rusty,” and the financial support eased her transition back into academic life.

Mai, who is completing a teaching internship at the Pearland Independent School District (ISD), said the scholarship allowed her to focus more fully on her responsibilities without the same financial strain. Before receiving the award, she had paused therapy sessions for one to two months due to cost. With the additional support, she felt more confident and healthier in pursuing her needs without guilt.

“I am also caring for my sick grandfather, and he found joy in the fact that I was able to receive this scholarship,” she said, explaining that it gave her family hope and encouragement during a difficult time.

During her internship, Mai said she learned the importance of vigilance, flexibility, and giving herself grace under pressure.

“When it came to teaching, I felt I had to maximize every outlet possible to cater to someone else’s family and child while neglecting my own because I was too overstimulated,” she said. “There will always be a tomorrow with endless to-dos. It’s just important to refresh perspective to make it more manageable.”

Being named a Bright Futures Intern Scholarship recipient, Mai added, means knowing that “someone truly empathizes with my situation and that I am not without resources.”

Investing in opportunity

The Bright Futures Intern Scholarship specifically supports students participating in unpaid internships tied to academic credit, with preference given to those who demonstrate financial need through FAFSA or TASFA applications. Awards are based on available funding and student interest. For this spring’s recipients, the impact extends beyond an award. It has meant the difference between turning down an opportunity and stepping fully into it.

Bustos said receiving the scholarship gave her the confidence to pursue an unpaid internship that once felt out of reach.

“Choosing an unpaid internship felt risky,” she said. “Receiving the scholarship reminded me that someone believed in my potential enough to invest in it. That gave me confidence to keep pushing forward instead of playing it safe.”

She hopes other students facing similar pressures will apply.

“Balancing work, school, health, and finances isn’t easy,” Bustos said. “But there are resources out there, and applying for help doesn’t mean you’re failing; it means you’re determined. Don’t count yourself out before giving yourself a chance.”

Bernie Streeter, Strategic Partnerships program manager, said that the Bright Futures Intern Scholarship does more than ease financial stress. It empowers students to remain focused, complete their degrees, and fully engage in meaningful, real-world work within the industries they have worked so hard to enter.

“By reducing economic barriers, we create space for recipients to grow, thrive, and step confidently into their professional purpose,” she said.

As the spring 2026 cohort continues their internships, the Bright Futures Intern Scholarship at UHCL serves as a reminder that experiential learning should be accessible and that sometimes, a single investment can open the door to a student’s next chapter.

Participating in an unpaid internship for academic credit this summer? Apply for scholarship funding to support your experience. Intern Scholarships are awarded every semester, and the summer 2026 application will be open from April 27 to May 29, 2026. Students can apply online by logging into E-Services and selecting “Financial Aid” to access UHCL scholarships.

 For more information about internship opportunities or the Bright Futures Intern Scholarship, contact Strategic Partnerships at strategicpartner@uhcl.edu or 281-283-2074.

For many students, college is about discovering what’s possible. For Sophia Goings, a third-year Mechanical Engineering student at the University of Houston–Clear Lake, it has been about taking that discovery to the edge of space and beyond.

“I chose to attend UHCL because of its budding engineering programs and its location near Houston’s space industry,” she said. That decision has since opened doors she once only imagined, placing her in the heart of NASA’s training environment and on a trajectory toward supporting humanity’s return to the Moon.

Goings’ passion for engineering stems from her love of hardware design and its versatility across industries. “I chose to pursue Mechanical Engineering to pursue my passion for hardware design and gain skills applicable across various industries,” she said. At UHCL, that passion found room to grow in the classroom and through applied learning opportunities.

One of the defining aspects of Goings’ UHCL experience has been her leadership role with Space Hawks Rocketry, which she calls her favorite part of the university. Through hands-on involvement and student leadership, Sophia sharpened her technical skills and developed the confidence to aim higher.

That confidence paid off when she was introduced to UHCL’s Office of Strategic Partnerships. “I was originally referred to Strategic Partnerships by a friend who previously interned through them,” she shared. “Strategic Partnerships has been very supportive and helpful through interview processes, onboarding, and even managing my school workload.”

Through that support, Goings secured an internship at NASA’s Neutral Buoyancy Lab (NBL), the very facility where astronauts train for spacewalks. For a UHCL student, the experience was nothing short of transformative.

“I am absolutely honored to work at the NBL alongside all the people who make spacewalking possible,” she said. During her time there, she supported the development of life support systems that keep astronauts alive while training underwater for lunar extravehicular activities (EVAs), helped maintain the space station’s robotic arm mockup, and even learned to scuba dive to support hardware testing in the pool.

Her coursework at UHCL proved essential in preparing her for the highly technical and demanding environment. “My coursework at UHCL prepared me technically for activities like scuba diving and working on life support systems through learning about pressurization, thermodynamics, engineering mechanics, data analytics, and lab safety,” Goings said.

Experiences like Goings’ highlight UHCL’s commitment to experiential learning and cross-disciplinary opportunities. “UHCL stands out with its commitment to providing students opportunities across various disciplines,” she added. “Partnerships as prestigious as those through NASA contractors prove that UHCL is devoted to ensuring its students have unmatched aerospace experiences and are developing perfect candidates for future leaders in the rapidly expanding world of spaceflight.”

Looking ahead, Goings’ ambitions remain boldly aimed skyward. After graduation, she plans to support NASA’s mission in establishing lunar permanence for humanity. In the spring of 2026, she will continue working with the NBL Critical Systems group and is already preparing for new and innovative lunar spacesuit testing.

Perhaps the most important lesson Goings has learned at UHCL goes beyond equations and lab work. “The most important thing I’ve learned at UHCL is how to make connections and pursue challenging opportunities," she said.

Her advice to fellow students reflects that mindset: “Just take the risk. Even if you think you don’t have the qualifications to contribute to missions as impactful as the moon landing, there is no downside in taking the risk of putting yourself out there and applying to do great things. You won’t know what opportunities lie ahead of you unless you take that first initial leap of faith.”

Sophia Goings’ story is ultimately about taking the leap. With UHCL providing the foundation, support, and opportunity, that leap carried her from campus to one of NASA’s most critical training environments, proving that extraordinary outcomes often begin with a single bold decision.

For more information about UHCL’s Mechanical Engineering program, visit www.uhcl.edu/science-engineering/departments/engineering/mechanical-engineering/. For more information about internships and opportunities, visit www.uhcl.edu/strategic-partnerships/.  

For Adam Moore, space was never an abstract dream, but part of the neighborhood. Growing up in Bay Area Houston, just minutes from NASA’s Johnson Space Center (JSC), Moore was surrounded by the language, people, and purpose of human spaceflight. Engineers were neighbors. Mission patches were familiar symbols. Houston was not only home; it was, as Moore puts it, “the hub of human spaceflight.”

Today, that early connection has come full circle as he pursues a dual graduate degree at the University of Houston–Clear Lake, positioning himself at the intersection of engineering, business, and the future of space exploration.

Moore has recently completed a Master of Science in Systems Engineering and is pursuing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a Concentration in Commercialization of Space, which is expected to be completed in the fall of 2026. The path reflects his curiosity and the momentum he has found at UHCL.

Leaving Home to Come Back Stronger

After graduating from Clear Lake High School, Moore headed west to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, Arizona, earning a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering with a minor in Computer Science. While Arizona offered rigorous academics, his long-term vision always pointed back to Houston and NASA.

During his undergraduate years, Moore secured multiple internships with NASA contractors, spending summers immersed in real-world aerospace work while building a professional network rooted in JSC. By the time he graduated, he knew exactly where he wanted to be and why.

“When I came back to Houston, UHCL was the best match,” he said. “The proximity to JSC, the systems engineering program, and the faculty experience all lined up with what I wanted to do.”

A Graduate Experience Shaped by NASA

At UHCL, Moore found something increasingly rare in graduate education: small, focused classes with direct access to faculty who have worked at NASA. Some of his systems engineering courses enroll only three students, creating an environment that’s deeply personal and intensely practical.

“Small classes give me more direct access to faculty and a focused learning environment,” he said. “The best part of graduate studies at UHCL is the proximity to JSC. The location directly informs what we study, and our professors bring NASA experience straight into the classroom.”

That connection between theory and application is central to UHCL’s identity, especially as the university continues expanding its role in the space and engineering ecosystem. For Moore, it has meant learning systems engineering not as an abstract discipline, but as a tool used daily in mission planning, flight operations, and complex aerospace programs.

From Classroom to Contracts

UHCL’s Office of Strategic Partnerships has played a pivotal role in Moore’s professional development. Through the university’s partnership with Boeing, he began supporting the C-17 military aircraft program, gaining hands-on experience in large-scale systems and data management. Within months, he was promoted to a team lead role.

Shortly after, Moore transitioned to supporting a NASA International Space Station (ISS) software contract, a move that brought him closer than ever to active human spaceflight operations. In October 2025, he continued that trajectory by supporting CST-100 Starliner flight software, further deepening his exposure to human-rated spacecraft systems.

“Through UHCL Strategic Partnerships, I’ve gained invaluable experience with Boeing and NASA,” he said. “Because of UHCL, I’ve been able to broaden my skill set in systems engineering and expand into business, while also getting a foothold through those partnerships.”

Strategic Partnerships not only provided Moore with a job but also connected him with students across disciplines, helping him build a professional community beyond his academic program. It is a model that reflects UHCL’s broader mission: aligning education with opportunity.

Investing in Students Who Invest in Themselves

Moore’s graduate journey has also been supported by UHCL’s commitment to student success through financial aid and scholarships. Between the Graduate Student Assistance award, a $5,000 Alumni Association scholarship, a Lunar Rendezvous Festival scholarship, and the J.H. “Buddy” Raspberry Scholarship, his graduate tuition has been nearly covered.

“That support has made a huge difference,” he said. “It’s allowed me to focus on learning, working, and building toward the future.”

Eyes on Mission Control and Beyond

Moore’s long-term goal has been to work in flight operations at NASA’s Mission Control. After interning in that environment and gaining experience across multiple human spaceflight programs, he has now taken that step, joining NASA’s JSC Mission Control as a flight controller through a contractor role.

At the same time, he is realistic about the changing landscape of spaceflight. With commercial partners like Axiom Space and Intuitive Machines expanding their presence in Houston, Moore sees systems engineering and space-focused business leadership as powerful complements to traditional NASA roles. As part of his route toward astronaut candidacy, he is also pursuing advanced pilot training and scuba diving certifications. What ties all those possibilities together is momentum, and UHCL has been central to building it.

“UHCL’s growth mirrors my own,” Moore reflected. “I chose it for the location and programs, but it’s become much more than I expected. UHCL has given me the momentum to turn my passion for human spaceflight into real-world opportunities.”

For a Clear Lake native with his sights set on the stars, UHCL has been more than a place to study; it has been an integral part of his flight plan.

Prepare for your own mission. Explore UHCL’s engineering degrees at www.uhcl.edu/science-engineering/departments/engineering/. For information about internships, visit www.uhcl.edu/strategic-partnerships/.

The University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL) has long been dedicated to transforming lives through research, education, and community engagement. Now, a landmark partnership with PAM Health is expanding that mission in a new way through the newly named PAM Health Neurorehabilitation and Motor Performance Lab at UHCL's Health and Human Performance Institute (HHPI).

The facility was officially unveiled during a ribbon-cutting ceremony held on September 23, 2025, marking a milestone moment in healthcare and academic collaboration.

“Tonight is about more than a new facility or the naming of the facility,” said UHCL President Dr. Richard Walker. “It’s about the power of partnership.”

This partnership represents more than a name on a wall. It is a visionary alignment between a leading rehabilitation healthcare provider and a university committed to innovation and social impact. The collaboration will support a multi-year, interdisciplinary research initiative focused on improving the lives of individuals with neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and stroke.

Dr. William Amonette, professor in the Department of Health, Human, and Biomedical Sciences and executive director of HHPI, will lead the research as principal investigator. He brings years of experience exploring exercise and nutrition's impact on people with chronic diseases and disabilities. The partnership also opens the door to rare, hands-on research experience in a high-need area of healthcare, helping students launch careers in rehabilitation and biomedical science.

"Mr. Misitano sincerely cares about people. That was my very first impression of him," said Dr. Amonette, speaking of PAM Health CEO Anthony Misitano. "He's investing in research because he genuinely cares. He understands the impact of research — one novel discovery could change countless lives."

Dr. Amonette's vision is rooted in understanding the gaps in the current healthcare system.

 "The problem in the healthcare system right now is that whenever you have a TBI, you have about nine to 13 months of insurance coverage. When that ends, they give you a chair and allow you to function, but rehabilitation essentially stops," Dr. Amonette explained. "And you can't just go to the gym, right? It's not easy to navigate 24 Hour Fitness. So, when we built this place, our motto was: 'We want to be the place you go when there's nowhere else you can go.'"

That philosophy helped shape the lab's purpose and its connection to real people, like Sean Carter, a young man living with the lasting effects of a TBI. In March 2005, Sean was involved in a car crash that completely changed his life.

“I had several fractures, and when I emerged from a 39-day coma, I was unable to walk or talk,” Sean said. “So many things were wrong with my body that it might be easier to tell you what worked than what didn’t work. My cognition was intact, but my body would not respond.”

 The road looked uncertain, and at times, Sean said he could not see the bigger picture, but that changed when he found UHCL’s HHPI. Sean and his family drove from College Station twice a week to work with the HHPI team at UHCL, eventually relocating to the area.

Dr. Lewis Clarke of PAM Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Clear Lake North played a critical role in initiating the partnership, connecting Misitano with Dr. Amonette after years of discussing a collaborative research project. "That Misitano is a visionary," Dr. Clarke said.

The lab has advanced tools to analyze everything from cognitive function and memory to EEG brain activity and neuromotor performance. Together, UHCL and PAM Health will launch controlled trials to investigate biomarkers like brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF), exploring how tailored interventions influence brain regeneration.

"The PAM Health Neurorehabilitation and Motor Performance Lab is equipped with every conceivable sophisticated motor and cognitive assessment tool imaginable," said Dr. Clarke. "We will be utilizing EEG coherence evaluations to visualize changes in brain connectivity while concurrently analyzing balance, strength, coordination, memory, and cognitive function in a patient population that includes Parkinson's, stroke, TBI, ALS, and dementias."

The collaboration also includes a structured patient pathway. Patients will begin with inpatient rehabilitation at PAM Health facilities, where baseline functional and laboratory data will be collected. After discharge, they will continue outpatient care and therapy at UHCL, allowing for ongoing research and support beyond hospital walls.

For UHCL students, this is more than research — it is an invitation to lead.

"This represents an unparalleled opportunity for these students to both train and contribute to new research in neurorehabilitation," Dr. Clarke said. "This is a rare marriage of academics and clinical medicine. Both resources provide a rich and fertile ground to better understand the rapidly evolving science of neuroregeneration and how that translates into patient outcomes."

Ultimately, Dr. Amonette views this partnership as a catalyst for national impact. The research conducted at the lab will not only serve local patients, but it also has the potential to become a model of care that can be replicated across the country.

"With conditions like Parkinson's disease and TBI, patients are never truly 'cured,'" Dr. Amonette said. "But through research, we can find better ways to improve their quality of life and long-term health."

President Walker echoed this long-term vision: “As I look to the future, I see this lab as a living classroom, a community resource, and a symbol of innovation. Together, we are building something that will have an impact for years to come,” he said.

This is research with purpose, driven by compassion and powered by partnership. UHCL students have a chance to change lives, including their own.

The University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL) and Windsor University School of Medicine (WUSOM) are proud to announce the launch of a new dual degree program, formalized through a signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) effective May 1, 2025. This collaboration allows eligible students to concurrently pursue a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from WUSOM and a Joint Healthcare Administration MHA/MBA from UHCL’s College of Business (COB).

The dual degree program responds to the growing demand for healthcare professionals with strong foundations in clinical practice and business leadership. By integrating medical and administrative training, graduates will be uniquely equipped to lead in complex and evolving healthcare environments.

“Healthcare today requires a dynamic skill set that spans clinical knowledge, strategic leadership, and operational excellence,” said Dr. Jordan Mitchell, chair of the Healthcare Administration Department at UHCL. “This partnership is an exciting step forward—and on a personal note, I’m excited to begin working on this initiative that reflects the future of interdisciplinary healthcare education.”

The agreement enables streamlined curricula that reduce redundancy, lower costs, and shorten the time required to earn both degrees. Students can complete the MD/MBA or MD/MHA in approximately five years, and the MD/MHA/MBA in six years. Coursework flexibility includes online delivery and summer offerings to accommodate the demanding schedules of medical students.

“As someone navigating both clinical and administrative paths, I saw firsthand the need for integrated training,” said Dr. Sam Zuberi, WUSOM alumnus and current MHA/MBA student at UHCL. “This program bridges that gap and prepares future physicians to lead effectively. I want to make history through this initiative—and more importantly, I hope it helps create a meaningful impact on the world through generations globally,” Dr. Zuberi continued. “I also express deep gratitude to my parents for their unwavering support, noting their encouragement throughout my educational journey.”

The MOU also outlines coordinated advising, shared credit opportunities, and a joint academic oversight committee to maintain rigorous standards and ensure student success.

"We are incredibly proud to partner with UHCL in pioneering this transformative dual degree program," said Dr. Sandeep Mellacheruvu, associate dean of WUSOM. “This initiative will empower our students to become not only excellent clinicians but also innovative leaders who can drive meaningful change in the healthcare system at both local and global levels.”

WUSOM also expressed pride in the collaboration. "This dual degree program exemplifies Windsor’s commitment to providing students with comprehensive training that transcends traditional medical education. By integrating advanced business and healthcare administration education, we are equipping our graduates to take on leadership roles that will shape the future of healthcare worldwide," said a spokesperson for WUSOM.

For more information about the dual degree program, contact Dr. Mitchell at mitchellj@uhcl.edu. Applications will open in the fall of 2025.

With over 13,000 associates worldwide, Syensqo is not just advancing science — it believes in nurturing the leaders who will drive the next wave of technological breakthroughs.

Syensqo’s commitment to supporting STEM education reflects its dedication to shaping the next generation of innovators. “We’re passionate about building the future of chemistry and chemical engineering,” said Dan Cummings, Syensqo plant manager. “This partnership with UHCL aligns perfectly with our mission and goals.”

Larisa Landry, senior global scholar advisor, expressed gratitude for Syensqo’s groundbreaking donation, which has inspired further support from key local partners like Lonza, ChampionX, and Logical Innovations, Inc.

“Syensqo’s pioneering gift launched this program and catalyzed additional support for these bright future scientists,” Landry said.

Want to make a difference? To learn more about UHCL’s Education Abroad and Scholar Services program or how to contribute to the next generation of innovators, contact Larisa Landry at landryl@uhcl.edu.

For Alexis Garza, a University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL) College of Business (COB) student, hands-on experience is the key to turning his legal aspirations into reality. With the support of UHCL’s Strategic Partnerships, Garza secured an internship at the international engineering company Oceaneering, where he is gaining real-world exposure to corporate law and building a foundation that will set him apart as he prepares for law school.

Garza chose UHCL because of its strong industry connections, convenient location and affordability – factors that made the university an ideal choice for his academic and professional ambitions. As he prepares to transition from his undergraduate studies to law school, Garza said he is taking a gap year to gain more practical experience in the legal field. His first internship at Oceaneering has already been invaluable in providing him with direct exposure to the legal complexities of a major corporation, such as witnessing the complex negotiating process and drafting contracts with some of the biggest aerospace companies in the industry.

“The scope of these contracts is much greater than what I encounter day-to-day at my current job,” said Garza. “It’s been an eye-opening experience to see how businesses navigate these large-scale agreements.”

Garza added that this internship has deepened his understanding of the business world and honed the essential skills necessary for his career. He has gained experience in negotiations, document management, and legal compliance, skills that will be critical in his future role as an attorney. He has also learned to parse massive documents to find relevant information, ensuring all legal and regulatory requirements are met.

“The internship has taught me the importance of attention to detail and following laws and regulations, especially in such a high-stakes environment,” Garza said.

Garza credits Strategic Partnerships for connecting him to this career-defining opportunity. The department’s staff helped him navigate the internship application process, providing guidance and mentorship every step of the way. He encourages fellow students to take advantage of this resource, which he believes is essential in securing professional opportunities.

Strategic Partnerships supports initiatives that enhance and increase experiential learning opportunities for UHCL students. Its current programs aim to increase participation in internships that help students prepare for their careers.

“UHCL and our partners are committed to shaping the next generation of professionals and leaders,” said Bernadina Streeter, program coordinator. “We strive to provide transformative opportunities that elevate our students and pave the way for future generations, ensuring a lasting legacy of success.”

As Garza approaches graduation, he is confident that the business skills he has developed at UHCL will serve as a strong foundation for his future legal career.

“I’m looking forward to eventually opening my own law firm, and I know the skills I’ve gained at UHCL will be instrumental in that journey,” he said.

For more information about Strategic Partnerships and internship opportunities, visit www.uhcl.edu/strategic-partnerships/. For more information about UHCL’s COB, visit www.uhcl.edu/business/.

Landing a coveted role at NASA is a dream for many, but for UHCL alumna Dana Gardner, it became reality through hard work, unmatched leadership, and the powerful support of UHCL’s partnerships. The opportunity presented itself in 2022 when KBR contacted the University of Houston-Clear Lake’s (UHCL) Health and Human Performance Institute (HHPI) to fill a temporary position at NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC). At the time, Gardner was a graduate research assistant at HHPI, pursuing her Exercise and Health Sciences M.S. Today, she works at NASA as a full-time employee of UHCL.

“From the moment she joined us at HHPI, Dana demonstrated natural leadership, exceptional competence as both a scientist and practitioner, and an innate ability to take charge of situations, uplift a team, and change things for the better,” said Dr. William Amonette, HHPI’s executive director.

KBR regularly recruits interns from a broad range of universities in pursuit of diverse talent. In the spring of 2022, the KBR team lead for the Exercise Physiology and Countermeasures Laboratory (EPC), formerly the Human Physiology, Performance, Protection and Operations (H-3PO) lab, contacted Amonette to request a recommendation for an employee to fill a temporary scientific support position on the Human Health and Performance Contract (HHPC) at NASA’s Johnson Space Center. Amonette immediately thought of Gardner, despite the significant void he knew she’d leave behind at HHPI. In May of 2022, Gardner began working at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in the EPC Lab.

The EPC Laboratory’s primary objective is to maintain and monitor crew health and performance capabilities before, during, and after spaceflight by optimizing exercise and non-exercise countermeasure systems for current ISS astronauts and future exploration missions. Lab employees serve a critical mission for NASA, optimizing human health and  the performance of crewmembers through research and operational support. As an employee, Gardner excelled in this and other areas, as her KBR discipline lead noted in a letter to Amonette.

“Dana’s willingness to step up and take action on a number of critical tasks that our lab needs to function safely and effectively have been critical to our operation,” the lead said. “Her leadership in ensuring we have operators trained, and quality documentation finalized for our equipment and testing, has been instrumental in our team being fully prepared to support our work.”

Gardner earned her Exercise and Health Sciences M.S. in December of 2022. Weeks before graduation, though, she was offered and accepted a full-time position with HHPC sub-contracted through UHCL. She has been working at NASA while sporting a UHCL badge ever since.

She returned to campus in the summer of 2024 as an alumna for a planning meeting about the Orion Flywheel study (exercise device for moon missions) to be conducted on campus at UHCL. Gardner is just one of many alumni who remain linked to the university and contribute to ongoing research efforts. Amonette, who is a Co-I on the Orion Flywheel project, also attended the meeting, where he observed more of her high-level performance.

“In a room filled with senior NASA scientists, she demonstrated the same critical thinking, expertise, and confidence that had impressed me three years ago as a student and a research assistant,” said Amonette. “I couldn’t have been prouder of her growth as both a scientist and a leader—though I wasn’t surprised in the least.”

Gardner is among seven employees currently working under HHPI’s contract with KBR. Throughout the partnership, HHPI has hired a total of 13 individuals, including interns and full-time biomedical scientists and engineers, who work for UHCL within KBR labs. Each of these roles support NASA’s Human Health and Performance Contract to KBR and have attracted top-tier employees from across the country to work for UHCL. Currently, UHCL-HHPI employees seven full-time scientists, engineers, and integration specialists who work onsite in KBR labs, three of whom are former UHCL students.

The impact of this collaboration continues to grow. On September 27, 2023, KBR and UHCL signed a new partnership agreement to expand internship opportunities and create more real-world pathways to success like Gardner’s – a milestone facilitated by UHCL’s Office of Strategic Partnerships facilitated the agreement.

The six months Gardner spent working in NASA’s Johnson Space Center’s EPC Lab was a transformative experience, preparing her for a seamless transition into her current position at NASA. She hopes future students can benefit from the same opportunities, thanks to the university’s partnership with KBR.

To learn more about UHCL's partnerships with local organizations, visit the Strategic Partnerships webpage.

“Having the opportunity to work with various mentors with different backgrounds helps clarify what career may interest me,” said Rodriguez.

Through her internship, Arcelia is learning the importance of having a flexible schedule, the ability to help others, and multitasking. She can also identify the aspects of social media that often go overlooked, and is learning about marketing processes and procedures.

Arcelia is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and expects to graduate in Spring 2026. She took the initiative to intern, honing her marketing skills that will land her the ideal career after graduation.

 Attracted by UH-Clear Lake’s friendly, small, and quiet setting, Arcelia highlighted the various benefits of attending UHCL, specifically the help of the Office of Strategic Partnerships. 

“I would recommend looking for an internship to help identify what you may want to do and sharpen any skills you already have,” said Arcelia. “I was emailed about this internship, but strategic partnerships helped extensively with the process of getting me here.”

Dr. Natalie Pecknold, Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships, said one of the core purposes of Strategic Partnerships is to increase participation in internship opportunities to help students achieve academic and professional success.

“We support several internship initiatives in partnership with industries and external organizations such as the Boeing Student Development Partnership and the KBR IMOC Internship Program,” she said.

Arcelia encourages her peers to seize opportunities to engage in the career paths they aspire to pursue.

This day represents more than a celebration for interns — it's a testament to their hard work and dedication. These programs benefit interns by providing practical skills and also enrich the organizational culture by infusing it with new ideas and perspectives. Successful internship experiences often lead to full-time employment opportunities, accentuating the importance of internships in shaping career trajectories.

For more information about internships and opportunities, visit www.uhcl.edu/strategic-partnerships/.

Dr. Robert Phalen, Interim Dean of the College of Science and Engineering, serves as the regional director of TMAC at UHCL. He stated the idea for the conference was a collaborative effort led by Dr. Monica Cortez, TMAC Director of Business Operations, and the TMAC Regional Directors in the Gulf Coast region, which include Roger Caldwell (Gulf Coast East Central – Texas A&M), Gavin Jones (Southeast Texas – Lamar University), and himself.

Phalen added the TMAC Summit was designed to increase UHCL’s outreach to Gulf Coast manufacturers and support the region’s economic growth.

“UHCL is a TMAC partner and sub-awardee of federal and state funding in support of manufacturing. As part of TMAC, UHCL provides education, training, and consulting services to manufacturers in the region,” said Phalen. “The ultimate goal is to strengthen and grow the economic impact of manufacturing in Texas. Our metrics for measurement include; increased sales, jobs, investments, and profits for manufacturers.”

The conference had dozens of attendees, including speakers, exhibitors, and sponsors such as DesignPlex Biomedical, Texas Workforce Commission, NASA Technology Transfer Program, America’s Cutting Edge (ACE), CESMII, the Space Alliance Technology Outreach Program (SATOP) under the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership (BAHEP) and more. Many of the exhibitors and speakers are affiliated with TMAC and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP). This public-private partnership serves small and medium-sized manufacturers across all 50 states and Puerto Rico.

Phalen noted that UHCL is relatively new to TMAC. Last year, MEP centers interacted with more than 36,000 manufacturers, generating $16.2 billion in sales, $2.9 billion in cost savings, $4.8 billion in new client investments, and helped create or retain more than 107,100 jobs.

“The previous Dean of the College of Science and Engineering, Dr. Miguel Gonzalez, had long been involved with TMAC when he was at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. He carried that same passion to UHCL, and we became a regional center in 2022.” said Phalen. “Since then, we have provided valuable services to various manufacturers in the areas of workforce development and quality management systems certifications,” he explained. “Dr. Gonzalez was beloved within TMAC and at UHCL. We are carrying on his passion to serve manufacturing in Texas.”

TMAC at UHCL plans to host more TMAC Summits in the future, continuing to expand its outreach and service to regional manufacturers while growing its partnerships to support economic growth for the area.

“UHCL serves a region of the Gulf Coast with more than 600 manufacturers,” said Phalen. “UHCL is committed to helping serve these manufacturers, to strengthen our local economy. Our goal is to help Gulf Coast manufacturing stay strong, grow, and keep jobs in Texas.” 

For more information about TMAC at UHCL and course offerings, visit https://www.uhcl.edu/tmac/.

Internships offer invaluable real-world experience, helping students apply classroom knowledge in professional settings, explore career paths, build professional networks, and enhance their resumes. Recognizing the dual benefits of practical experience and financial support, the University of Houston-Clear Lake’s Office of Strategic Partnerships has introduced ‘The Internship Scholarship Program.' This initiative aims to mitigate financial challenges for students engaged in unpaid, credit-based internships within their respective fields, ensuring they can focus on their professional growth without the burden of financial stress.

This spring, seven UH-Clear Lake students were each awarded $1,300 through the 2024 Spring Internship Scholarship. These scholarships affirm UHCL’s commitment to supporting students' academic and professional development through financial assistance. The recipients are Erick Chavez, a Spanish therapist intern at Mine Counseling; Jacqueline Golz, interning at Harris County Office of Homeland Security and Management; Karla Gutierrez, counseling intern at League City Counseling & Education Center; Shatori Langham, crime lab analyst intern at Texas Department of Criminal Justice; Joanna Mendieta, clinical teaching intern at Barbers Hill Independent School District (ISD); Jessica Serrano, clinical teaching intern at Clear Creek ISD, and Courtney Brown.

Courtney Brown, a senior pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Education, is currently gaining hands-on experience as a Clinical Teaching Intern at La Porte ISD. With over 16 years of experience working with children, Brown’s passion for education is deeply rooted in her personal journey as a child who felt the impact of inadequate academic support. As a first-generation college student from a low-income family, she is driven not by financial incentives but by a profound desire to enhance the educational experiences and lives of children. “I was that child and I know what it feels like,” Brown said. Her commitment is fueled by the belief in making a tangible difference in the lives of her students.

 “We live paycheck to paycheck. It's not easy handling life while struggling to make it through the day, but I have learned how to keep going,” she said.

Brown added that when she received the scholarship, she was in the middle of financial hardship and didn't know how she would make it. But when she was selected as a recipient, she was surprised.

“I was able to get the supplies I needed for my classes, get the supplies I needed to teach lessons at my assigned school, and get the necessities I needed for myself,” said Brown. “Here I am, a straight A student. Based off my academic progress, I know I made the right choice attending UHCL,” she explained. “I was recently invited to join UHCL Chapter of the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi for the 2023-2024 academic year.”

Brown hopes to change the lives of children and the field of education by using the skills she has acquired at UHCL to be a great teacher to her students and further her education. She also recommends students apply for the Internship Scholarship Program.

Executive Director of the Office of Strategic Partnerships Natalie Pecknold said one of its core purposes is to increase participation in internship opportunities to help students achieve academic and professional success.

“We support several internship initiatives in partnership with industries and external organizations such as the Boeing Student Development Partnership and the KBR IMOC Internship Program,” Pecknold said. “The Intern Scholarship Program is another important initiative that focuses specifically on unpaid internships and reducing the financial barriers associated with participating in such opportunities.”

Furthermore, Pecknold mentioned that UHCL has recently received a generous corporate gift from Wellby Financial to establish an endowment for unpaid intern scholarships, that will enable the university to award additional intern scholarships and in perpetuity of the endowed funds, which means this scholarship opportunity will sustain for many years to come.

“We know that internship experiences can greatly improve the career trajectory of college students —from higher starting salary to an increased number of job offers — but there are also many known barriers to pursuing them such as family obligations, transportation costs, and even attire,” said Pecknold. “UHCL recognizes these hardships and will continue to seek solutions for increasing student access to internships — whether paid or unpaid.”

Intern Scholarships are awarded every semester. The Intern Scholarship application for Summer 2024 will be open April 1 through May 31. To qualify for the Intern Scholarship, students must complete an unpaid internship for academic credit towards degree requirements. Students can apply through the UHCL Financial Aid Office and online scholarship application portal (log into E-Services and click “Financial Aid” to apply for UHCL scholarships). For more information about UHCL’s Office of Strategic Partnerships and internship opportunities, visit www.uhcl.edu/strategic-partnerships/.

University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL) has received a significant contribution from Wellby Financial, one of the largest credit unions in Houston, and recently rated the Best Overall Financial Institution in Texas for 2023-24 by Money.com. The gift will help establish the largest intern scholarship endowment at UHCL.

The intern scholarship will be available to students from any college or discipline and will reduce the financial burden of unpaid internships, allowing students to focus on their academic and professional development. It will also enable students to gain real-world experience and networking opportunities, preparing them for successful careers after graduation.

“How fortunate our university is to partner with a forward-thinking organization like Wellby Financial to strengthen the overall student experience and prepare our students to be valued contributors to the workforce,” said Vice President of University Advancement Joseph Staley. “We thank Wellby Financial for their continued commitment to student success.”

Wellby Financial has a longstanding relationship with UHCL, employing many of its alumni and interns. The company recognizes that experiential learning (internships) is essential to preparing students to enter the workforce.

“Our purpose is to help people prosper,” stated Wellby Financial President & CEO, Marty Pell. “One of the most important things we can do as a community leader to fulfill this purpose is to empower the dreams of the next generation. Through this partnership with UHCL, Wellby Financial is proud to invest in our community and help support experiential learning opportunities for local students, empowering them to reach for their dreams while building their financial future.”

Wellby Financial’s dedication to both community and education is deeply rooted in their history. Originally founded to serve NASA’s Johnson Space Center community, Wellby Financial has supported the financial well-being of Houston for more than 60 years.

Deborah Acosta Conder, Wellby Financial Board Chair and alumna of UHCL shared, “Our unique legacy with NASA and the space community reminds us that learning isn’t restricted to the classroom. Rather, it comes from utilizing knowledge in real-world scenarios and comprehending how it can affect positive change. We’re proud to partner with UHCL to help provide more opportunities like these for students in our community.”

The gift was facilitated by the Office of University Advancement and the Office of Strategic Partnerships, which serve as primary interfaces for external partners. They also support initiatives that enhance and increase experiential learning opportunities for UHCL students.

According to Executive Director of University Advancement Elbby Antony, these initiatives and others developed with the Office of Strategic Partnerships, aim to increase participation in internships that help students prepare for their careers.

“Wellby Financial’s gift is a much-needed investment in the future of UHCL students,” she said.

“The company’s philanthropy demonstrates a commitment to enriching our community through valuable experiences that ensure student success and positively impact many Bay Area Houston businesses and the region. UHCL will match Wellby Financial’s contribution to ensure the endowment’s growth and ability to impact more students. The partnership comes at the right time for future Hawks,” added Antony.

UHCL is committed to cultivating strategic connections with businesses, government agencies, community organizations, educational entities, and nonprofit partners to provide meaningful experiences and opportunities for its students.

According to Natalie Pecknold, the executive director of the Office of Strategic Partnerships, Wellby Financial’s gift to the university will propel students toward new horizons and greater success for many years.

“The Office of Strategic Partnerships is thrilled to offer intern scholarships through this new partnership with Wellby Financial,” said Pecknold.

“Through this endowment, students do not have to be deterred from pursuing their passions and building their resumes while completing their degree programs. We are grateful for the generosity of Wellby Financial.”

UHCL encourages all businesses and business leaders to consider supporting this joint effort to strengthen the student experience and the workforce.

To learn more or apply for intern scholarships offered by UHCL, visit www.uhcl.edu/strategic-partnerships/ or call the Office of Strategic Partnerships at 281-283-2076.

To learn more about Wellby Financial’s dedication to helping people prosper throughout our community and how Wellby Financial can support your financial prosperity, visit wellbyfinancial.com.

“Internships are part of many degree requirements at University of Houston-Clear Lake,” said Executive Director of the Office of Strategic Partnerships Natalie Pecknold. “But not every internship provider is able to offer students pay. In order to alleviate the financial burden students might take by accepting an unpaid internship, we are now able to offer students $1,300 paid scholarships for their internships.”

Pecknold said the inaugural cohort of UH-Clear Lake fall 2023 Intern Scholarship recipients are Dominique Bell, interning at Psychology Works; Kariana Ellingsen, interning at Malaty Therapy; Millicent Hendrix, interning at the Montrose Center; Nancy Izaguirre, interning at Pasadena Independent School District on the Social Work Crisis team; Liliana Longoria, placed in Galveston I.S.D.; and Trent MacArthur, placed in Deer Park I.S.D.

Longoria, who transferred to UHCL to pursue her bachelor’s degree in education, plans to graduate in December 2023. She said her goal to become a teacher came from her own childhood experience as an undocumented student.

“I came to the U.S. from Mexico at the age of four, and I’m a DACA student,” she said. “I decided to become a teacher because when my family came here, everything was new. The only place I felt safe besides at home was in my bilingual classroom.”

She remembered feeling welcome and supported in that classroom, and she grew up knowing she wanted to help other children like her to feel the same. “That’s why I know the best place for me is to go back into education,” she said.

“When I got the news that I was receiving this scholarship, I teared up. Prior to receiving it, I thought about how much everything would cost, and I didn’t know how I was going to do it,” she continued. “Receiving this scholarship meant I didn’t have to worry about that; I can fully dedicate myself to becoming a better future educator.”

For Bell, who is working toward his Master of Arts in Family Therapy, the intern scholarship has made it possible for him to complete this requirement for his degree.

“I’m interning at Psychology Works in Lake Jackson, where I live,” he said. “I am blind and I’m not able to drive. I have to have someone take me wherever I’m going, and gas and food are expensive. Sometimes I’m in the office all day, and once I’m there, I can’t leave. This scholarship makes a big difference in my situation.”

He added that since he has to be driven about a half hour to get to and from his internship, the scholarship enables him to focus on completing his internship. “I am definitely going to get what I need to become a therapist when I am done,” he said. “I was very surprised and very grateful to receive the scholarship.”

Longoria said she is working with the dual-language teacher at Weis Middle School in Galveston Independent School District, her own home school district. “I’m working with the newcomer teacher, handling new, non-English speaking students,” she said. “I already have a job lined up in Weis Middle School in January of 2024. I know first hand what it’s like to be new, and I want my students to know that achieving a higher education is possible for them.”

To connect with resources that can help you find an internship, visit www.uhcl.edu/strategic-partnerships/

University of Houston-Clear Lake and KBR have signed a partnership agreement creating internship opportunities for students from across multiple academic disciplines to gain valuable professional experience in the aerospace industry. UH-Clear Lake President Richard Walker and KBR Vice President of Human Exploration Laurie Labra signed the agreement Wednesday, Sept. 27.

“At UHCL, we are focused on the kind of workforce development that is needed here in Bay Area Houston, and that’s why we are very excited about this partnership,” Walker said. “We are working strategically with industry and community partners to think about how our students can get the best out-of-classroom experiential learning opportunities.”

Walker said this the UHCL-KBR agreement would offer more than just internships for students. “This gives them the chance to take what they’re learning in the classroom and apply it to a real-world industry need,” he said. “Students are being specifically recruited to get these hands-on opportunities, and we know this will open doors for them when they graduate, both at KBR and elsewhere.”

Walker added this was the second strategic partnership in the aerospace industry, having signed a similar agreement last year with Boeing. “We are all working together to support the needs of industry in the Bay Area,” he said.

 “We are thrilled to celebrate KBR’s newest partnership with UHCL, aimed at providing interns for NASA’s Integrated Mission Operations Contract (IMOC) III,” Labra said. “Serving as the prime contractor for this significant, $1.9 billion endeavor, KBR works hard every day to enhance human spaceflight initiatives, including vital contributions to the International Space Station, Artemis, and Low Earth Orbit commercialization.”

She added that it was also integral to their mission to inspire and train the next generation to help reach their goals. “The establishment of this highly sought-after internship program will offer elevated, hands-on learning experiences at Johnson Space Center to deserving students in the area—with benefits extending beyond STEM to the liberal arts and business fields,” Labra continued. “KBR has been happy to collaborate with UHCL and its students on various projects throughout the years. We take immense pride in the enduring strength of this relationship and anticipate its expansion into other human exploration programs in the coming years.”

The agreement was facilitated through UHCL’s Office of Strategic Partnerships, which supports initiatives that enhance and increase experiential learning opportunities for students, and increases their opportunities to participate in internships that will help prepare them for a successful career. For more information about resources available through OSP, visit www.uhcl.edu/strategic-partnerships/